Knox County Sheriff -
Sheriff J.J. Jones

Knox County Sheriff News

Stabbing on Sevierville Pike

Saturday, 17 December 2011

On Saturday morning, at approximately 4:10 am, the Knox County Sheriff's Office was called to an incident at 7704 Sevierville Pike. The victim, 22 year-old Joshua Branch, stated to dispatchers that he was at 24 year-old Ashlee Weaver's residence, when her ex-boyfriend, 21 year old Christopher Fansler, came to the house and started a verbal and physical altercation with Branch. During the altercation, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim. Fansler then left the scene, called Weaver and told her not to tell anyone what had happened. He also said that he would go home, go to sleep and not wake up.

The victim was transported by Rural Metro to UT Hospital and rushed into surgery. Statements gathered at the scene by witnesses indicated that the suspect had provoked the altercation because of the recent break-up between Fansler and Weaver. Fansler was arrested at his home today and charged with Aggravated Assault. A mugshot will be available later.